Dorsey Chapel Historic Site
10704 Brookland Road
Hours:
About
Built in 1900 as a Methodist church, Dorsey Chapel served as the social and spiritual center of Brookland, an African American farming community.
Through the 1960s, the chapel’s membership dwindled and the building fell into disrepair. When the chapel was scheduled for demolition in 1980, the Friends of Dorsey Chapel organized to preserve the church.
Today, this small frame meetinghouse-style church is considered an architectural jewel. Designated a Prince George’s County “historic site” by the Historic Preservation Commission and restored by M-NCPPC, Dorsey Chapel was re-dedicated and opened to the public as a museum on September 11, 1996. The Chapel is available for rental for small weddings, recitals, and meetings.
Visit
Dorsey Chapel is available for small weddings, recitals, and meetings. Click on the Rentals tab for further information.
Directions
Dorsey Chapel is located in Glenn Dale, Maryland off Route 193, north of Route 564 (Lanham-Severn Road).
From the Capital Beltway (I-495) North, take Exit 20A Lanham/Route 450 (Annapolis Road) East.
From the Beltway South, take exit 20-A/B. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Route 450 East. From the right lanes, follow signs to Route 564 (Lanham-Severn Road). Proceed on Route 564 East about four miles. Turn left onto Route 193 West. Make the first right onto Northern Avenue. Proceed about 1/4 mile, and turn right onto Brookland Road. Dorsey Chapel is the first driveway on the left.
From the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, take the Route 193/Greenbelt Exit. Turn left onto Route 193 East. Proceed about four miles, turn left onto Northern Avenue (first left after Mission Drive). Turn right onto Brookland Road. Dorsey Chapel is the first driveway on the left.
Rentals
Distinguished by Gothic Revival and Queen Anne decorative elements and ornamental shingles on its principal gable, Dorsey Chapel is a rare surviving example of this type of architecture in Prince George’s County. The Chapel is situated on 2.5 acres of land and is available for rental for small weddings, christenings, or other religious services.
To begin the reservation process, please complete the Dorsey Chapel Rental Inquiry Form by clicking the button below. Your submission will be sent directly to our team, and a staff member will follow up with you as soon as possible.
Availability
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am-6 pm (except major holidays).
Capacity
Maximum 50 people
Rates (Residents)
After the mandatory Dorsey Chapel tour, a non-refundable $50 deposit is required to secure your reservation.
Weekends
- Friday-Saturday (three-hr. block required): $250
- Extra Hour: $50/hour
Weekdays
- Tuesday-Thursday (two-hr. minimum): $35/hour
Rates (Non-residents)
After the mandatory Dorsey Chapel tour, a non-refundable $50 deposit is required to secure your reservation.
Weekends
- Friday-Saturday (three-hr. block required): $325
- Extra Hour: $65/hour
Weekdays
- Tuesday-Thursday (two-hr. minimum): $46
Reservation Process
Contact the M-NCPPC Black History Program main office at 240-264-3415 or dorseychapel@pgparks.com to determine if your desired date is available for a rental and to schedule a site tour. A site tour and payment of the non-refundable $50 deposit is required to reserve the chapel.
Site tours may be scheduled through the office on
Sundays at 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 4:30 p.m.
* Monday through Thursday by appointment only, pending staff availability
Please note that proof of residency is required to receive the Prince George’s/Montgomery County rental rate. Valid proof of residency includes a driver’s license, utility bill, deed to a house, lease agreement, homeowner’s insurance, or renter’s insurance policy.
All rentals must be booked at least 30 days in advance.
Payment Schedule & Options
A deposit is required at the time your event date is reserved. The remaining balance is due no later than 30 days prior to your event date. Failure to submit the remaining balance at least 30 days in advance will result in csncellation of the reservaiton and forfeiture of all fees paid.
A PARKS DIRECT account is required to complete your reservation and submit payments. All remaining balances must be paid online through your PARKS DIRECT account. If you do not yet have an account, please create one before proceeding with your reservation..
For step-by step instructions, please refer to the links below:
How to Create Your PARKS DIRECT Account
How to Pay Balances Due Online
How to View Your Account Credits / Balances
For questions regarding payments, contacthe M-NCPPC Black History Program office at (240) 264-3415.
Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation is required via email: dorseychapel@pgparks.com. The email message must be sent from the contract holder using the email address of record. If the contract holder cancels the event 30 days (about four and a half weeks) or more before the scheduled event date, all money paid will be refunded, less the cost of deposit. If the contract holder cancels an event less than 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) before the scheduled event date, all money will be forfeited.
Accessibility
The historic chapel and the adjacent auxiliary building are both ADA accessible. Restrooms are located in the auxiliary building.
Damages
Renter is responsible for all damages incurred.
Rules for Use
- Dorsey Chapel is a ceremony-only venue. Food and drink are strictly prohibited.
- Decorations should be affixed with pipe cleaners or ribbon. Tape, nails, tacks, or pushpins are prohibited inside or outside the chapel. Nothing may be hung on the walls or windows.
- Glitter, confetti (including artificial flower petals), rice, and birdseed are strictly prohibited.
- Renters will be fined for any damage incurred.
- Excessive noise or amplified sound systems are not allowed inside or outside of the chapel. An upright piano is located onsite and is available for use. You may bring a small radio or an iPod docking station with speakers for ceremonial/service music to the chapel.
- An M-NCPPC staff member must be on-site for any viewing, set-up, rehearsal, or event.
- All trash must be removed off-site by the contract holder at the end of the event.
- Wax candles are prohibited, with the exception of a unity candle for wedding ceremonies.
- M-NCPPC Black History Program staff may provide additional rules and regulations as needed.
